Branch Reports

The 2018 France National Taikai and training camp took place on April 14 and 15 in Paris. Over 160 kenshi from France, but also from Belgium, Monaco, Holland, Sweden and even the USA gathered to practice and compete during the embukai. The event was supervised by Aosaka Hiroshi Sensei, 9th dan daihanshi.

Saturday morning

Saturday morning was very sunny in Paris. At 9 a.m., training started with chinkon gyo and taiso. A group of 30 kenshi then separated to take grading examinations, while the remaining kenshi continued practicing techniques with high graded instructors. They studied both goho and juho techniques and had the opportunity to work with kenshi from different branches.

Examination

The examinees were kenshi from minarai to 2nd dan. They all gave their best and succeeded in their respective exams, obtaining ranks from 6th kyu to 3rd dan. Congratulations to all of them!

Gakka

The morning session ended with a gakka by Aosaka Sensei. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of ichi go ichie (to live every day as though it were last) which is the correct way to apprehend our lives. By taking the time every action requires, no more, no less, we can walk on the path of health, strength, security and friendship.

Saturday afternoon – embukai

The embukai took place in the afternoon. The competition started with a demonstration by Didier Denmat and Frederic Juhel, both 5th dan and received a prize of the best performers in the European Taikai held in Lisboa, Portugal, in october 2015. 13 kyukenshi and 15 yudansha couples competed. The competition ended with three more demonstrations, one by Yuko Irie Beyer (1st dan) and her husband, Olivier Beyer (5th dan), and two by children, to the audience’s delight. Thank you to all participants !

At the end of the day, all kenshi were invited by the French federation to have a social gathering and take some time to deepen friendship. This is also what Shorinji Kempo is for: meeting, getting to know each other, sharing and evolving together. We all had a very pleasant time after this intense first day of the taikai.

Sunday

The training camp continued on Sunday. As on Saturday, it started with chinkon gyo, taiso and kihon followed by pratice in level groups with high graded teachers. Aosaka Sensei was active within each group, often showing techniques himself, to the delight of the participants.

At the end of the training camp, after having changed clothes and said farewell, everyone returned home, looking forward to the next event. This year, the following France national training camp will exceptionally be held in Brussels, Belgium. This will happen on June 16. It was also announced that the next European Taikai will be in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 2019.

We hope to see you there !

Illustration 1: Aosaka Sensei, 9th dan daihanshi and Giovanni Tramontini, deputy national technical director of the French Federation of Karate

For three days from 6 to 8 of April, the 5th Annual Shorinji Kempo Russian Training Camp in Saint-Petersburg (Russia) was held.

All branch masters and kenshies from all Russain branches: Moscow Branch and Sungir Branch (Moscow), Baltika Branch (Saint-Petersburg) and Volga Branch (Nijniy Novgorod) took part in this training camp. Moreover senseis and kenshies from Sweden, Germany and Kyrgyzstan came to Saint-Petersburg to take part in this training camp. Total number of participants were 68 people.

On the first day there were training sessions of randori practice: distance, speed, counterattack, the entrance to the enemy, psychological preparation.

On the second day the participants were divided into 4 groups (minarai-4 kyu, 3-2 kyu, 1 kyu-1 dan, 2 dan+), and there were at first some practice on basic forms, then practice on different go ho and ju ho technics. Also Alex Tilly (sensei from Sweden) gave a lecture: “Thinking man’s martial art”.

On the third day there were also practice on some basic forms, then go ho and ju ho practice in groups, and at last some kumi embu and randori practice. Also Alexei Rokitskii (branch-master of Moscow branch) gave a lecture: “Mediation – the discipline of mind, improving the discipline of the body”.

This time Russian Shorinji Kempo training camp in Saint-Petersburg became one of the participants of the 18th festival “Japanese spring in Saint-Petersburg”. This festival is holding by the General Consulate of Japan in Saint-Petersburg every year. This festival collects different cultural and sport events, which are related with Japan and Japanese culture.
Within the framework of the festival there were held demonstrations of Shorinji Kempo technics on the second day of the training camp. Kenshies and senseis from all Russian branches took part in the demonstrations, also two participants from Germany performed kumi embu.

On December 17th, 2017 has been held in Biznaga Branch Dojo, in the city of Malaga, an Open Day, part of the Christmas activities organized by the Teatinos district.

The day’s practice was very pleasant and very gratifying to see how some people enjoy and learn for the first time Shorinji Kempo. The event was attended by participants and spectators of the district who came to know our art, kenshis of Biznaga Branch and friends of others Shorinji Kempo Branches.

Angel Sensei (Biznaga Branch Master), prepared a varied practice with the intention of showing as much as possible to all those attending the extent of Shorinji Kempo. There was a little bit of everything for the promotion and dissemination of Shorinji Kempo.

The practice began with a good Jumbi Undo consisting of a complete warming and stretching of the entire body. After that, Kihon was executed with movements and combinations where the importance of correct positions and weights of the body was explained.

Began technical partner, alternating Goho (positions, movements, stops, hitting, kicking, etc.) and Juho (projections, dislocations, forms of detention, etc.) from different families and degrees. Gakka is fundamental part in the practice of Shorinji Kempo so, Angel Sensei also explained that Shorinji Kempo is a discipline (gyo) created by Kaiso as a method of human development through personal effort where self-confidence, courage and strength are gained (Jiko Kakuritsu) to obtain collaborative spirit and promote mutual happiness (Jita Kyoraku). The event ended with photos of the group and acknowledgements by the instructor and by the assistants for the opportunity to know the Shorinji Kempo.

For the third year running, following the principle established by Kaiso “think of others’ happiness as well as their own”, SHOKEMA Branch in cooperation with CARRANQUE, BIZNAGA, MALAKA Branch and Themis Association ―a non-profit organization whose main function is integrating immigrants into the culture of Málaga and helping less favored people― have decided to bring Christmas a little closer to those who cannot afford it.

In previous years we succeeded in collecting toys and staple food for these groups. This year we have collected Christmas food that was delivered on November 23 to the members of Themis Association, along with representatives of all the dojos who have devoted their time and effort to reach this wonderful goal that will enable a lot of families to have a merry Christmas.

Kenshi from Auckland Central Branch and North Shore Branch were invited to perform an embu demonstration at the 2017 Japan Day festival of Japanese culture held at The Cloud Events Centre, Queens Wharf, Auckland on 26th February 2017. The event is an annual celebration hosted by The Japanese Society of Auckland and the Consulate –General of Japan in Auckland. The event features Japanese martial arts, cuisine, art , music , dance and popular culture .

Kenshi from both branches had been preparing embus for about a month prior to the event and it was a great opportunity to show to the Auckland public a wide variety of embus including Dantai ( group embu) , senior men and women performing paired embu and shakujo embu as well as children demonstrating basic techniques. It was good to see a number of minarai kenshi who were prepared to demonstrate Tenchken Dai Ikkai in front of a large crowd. We wanted to show that Shorinji Kempo is a martial art which appeals to men , women and children of all ages. The demonstration was well received and as a result we received enquiries from people who were interested in joining Shorinji Kempo.

The last 7th of November the Gasshuku of the 20th anniversary of the foundation of Shokema Association was held at Carranque sport center in Malaga. The event took place from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm and it consisted in practice of chinkon gyo, kihon, goho and juho techniques by grade, randori and self defense.

The tournament opened up with 63 students participants performing meditation (Chinkon) which was conducted by Lisa U. and Dabo by Justin N. and Kihon basic practice by Thomas P. Opening group kata demonstration of Tenchi Ken Dai Ikkei to Yonkei were demonstrated by all Black Belt students in perfect unison. Three courts were setup for students to present their Kata and the importance of good Kamae (Stance), Kiai, Chosoku-Zanshin, Happo Moku, Breathing, Rhythm and Accuracy were further discussed with all participating students. Several parents who actively participated as they are Shorinji Kempo students; Yamanaka, Dinh, Sophia, Thomas, Phi & Yukiko. These parents truly lead by example!!! First, second, third and fourth place results were announced in the Children, Kyu and Black Belt divisions. The students received medals and loud applause from the audience. We also held oten yori oki agari contest where Noah Hoang won !!!!Upon completion of the Shorinji Kempo Taikai (Tournament), advanced practice session of Goho and Juho techniques was conducted by Hagata sensei and Rastogi sensei. The Taikai closed with a Leadership Seminar which was attended by all of the black belt and several brown belt students. We had surprise student guest Cindy Wong who recently was admitted to University of California, Berkeley along with another kenshi Songvy Nguyen. Another kenshi graduating high school and heading to college is Alexandria Samuel. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THREE!!!!FIXED FORM – KATA RESULTS 1st Place Angeline, Nadalie, Kevin, Vanessa, Valerie, Kevin Q, Dinh, Haley, Katelyn, Christine, Nathan, Brandon, Gaganjyot, Noah Ho, Lauren, Nicholas, Tammy, Ichiro, Yulisa, Justin, Mike2nd Place Eddie, Hannah, Bao, Sophia D., Allyson, Sarah, Jennifer, Jonathan, Noah H. Kelley Q. Phi, Anson, Emily, Liset, Lily, Lisa U., Corbin 3rd Place Ethan, Tien, Evelyn P., Nicholas T, Thien, Esther, Thien, Samantha, Logan, Lana, Musashi, Gladys, Sydni, Thomas 4th Place Tri, Sophia P, Jill, Cindy, Eric, Lily, Connor, Andrew, YukikoGassho! Shorinji Kempo Orange County Branch

This article is dedicated to all students and families who continue to give back to the community we live in. Orange County Shorinji Kempo Branch located in Southern California students (Kenshi) lives “Half’s for one’s own happiness and half for the happiness of others”. On May 2th, 2015 23 Shorinji Kempo students and parents volunteered their energy to clean and paint the schools bathrooms and lockers at Bethune middle school. Bethune’s vision has many similarities to Shorinji Kempo. Bethune’s goal is to have parents and teachers working in harmony. To raise students who are socially and academically aware for creating a better society.

23 Shorinji Kempo students and parents drove at 7:15am in a caravan of cars to Bethune Middle school. Upon arrival we checked in and received water, T-Shirts and energy bars. Located in Los Angeles, Bethune middle school has several 2 and 3 story brick buildings that require cleaning from time to time. Mike H. and Lisa U separated over 100 volunteers into distinct groups to challenge numerous paint and cleanup projects. Much to a pleasant surprise, the school hand painted some Shorinji Kempo banners for us. The Shorinji Kempo students Team #2 cleaned several floors, classroom lockers, painted bathrooms and picked up debris inside and around the school.

The cleaning and painting moved like a perfect Kumi Embu (Pair Form) symphony of students, teachers and parents. Timing, accuracy, distance, speed and angle were some of the “key elements of Atemi” that described the 23 kenshi’s actions. Speed seemed to be our biggest asset. We completed many of the tasks in only a few hours. Another great Shorinji Kempo community service event locked in time !!!! The pictures of the event speak for themselves.

The day ended with many of us going to the Avengers movie “Age of Ultron”. We all have the power to change people’s lives in a positive way. Students and parents lead by their actions which results in accomplishing great things in our community. They are the ones whose actions truly speak louder than words!! The ones who lead by example for others to follow.

We are thankful for the many Shorinji Kempo students and parents who give back to the community through their actions!! Connor, Dinh, Tammy, Mike, Lily, Lana, Thomas, Nicholas, Yukiko, John, Gaganjyot, Justin, Lauren, Nathan, Corbin, Yamanaka, Alexandria, Noah, Musashi, Sheri, Tri and Charles.

Mike and Lisa’s continued dedication to their Work, Family and Shorinji Kempo is one to be followed.

Once again, Shokema branch contributed to helping the martial arts gala ‘Amako’, a non profit gala for a good cause, that took part on the 25th of April. This year the money collected was given to ‘Los ángeles malagueños de la noche’, an association that feeds poor people in Malaga city. The participants of Shokema, that were led by Toni sensei, made an amazing and tecnical exhibition that included all the main aspects of our discipline. The exhibition took place in Carranque sport center in Malaga, where Shokema has lessons on Monday and Wednesday from 21.00 to 22.30. Shokema association also practice every week on Tuesday and Thursday from 20.00 to 22.00, this workshop is realized in the bulding of the local goverment council in the disctrict of ‘Bailen-Miraflores’.

Last April 12 the Shorinji Kempo Fifth National Children’s Gasshuku was held, spurred by the Portuguese Shorinji Kempo Federation, through its Technical Department, and with direct support from Oriental Branch in facilitating for the second time to this activity the access to excellent conditions of Basic School of Olaias. As has been tradition, this children seminar is exclusively and intentionally directed to the young Kenshi up to 12 years of age, while ensuring optimal conditions for Shorinji Kempo teaching, practice, and learning according to the specific characteristics of this population. Moreover, we privilege the contact between young Kenshi through the Shorinji Kempo, materializing one of the main features – Kumite Shutai (Paired practice is primary), and the principles of friendship, respect, mutual support, and cooperation. In addition, we aim that young Kenshi know about other Masters, Assistants, and Instructors and other Branch to understand the national reality in order to motivate them through the diversity of contacts and experiences. 80 Kenshi and 13 teaching staff between Masters, Assistants, and Instructors, all from current affiliates of the Federation gathered at this seminar, in its fifth consecutive year. Throughout the day many games were held, and many techniques and Tan En were learned and practiced. But most of all, we overcame the challenge put in the early stage – make new friends! All participants, later in the day, had developed new friendships and created new bonds that will continue to be deepened along the practice with other activities. The constant laughter and concentration of these young people and the energy of its strong Kiai foresee a beautiful future for the Shorinji Kempo in Portugal, and all of us will work so that these young people continue to like Shorinji Kempo and being best people through this singular martial art. One can not fail to point out a peculiarity of this seminar which was a novelty introduced by the Federation in relation to the Kenshi registration. Each participant had to ensure that part of her/his registration was held in foodstuffs to be distributed on the day to an institution selected by the Federation. The selected institution was Por1Fio – “by a thread” – (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Por1Fio-Associa%C3%A7%C3%A3o-Solid%C3%A1ria/374437659365747) that is dedicated to collecting goods from various categories to distribute for families and people who are literally “by a thread” in their lives with the difficulties that are going on. This institution, during that day, received between 140kg to 150kg of food (which we now know to have been spread over 8 needy families). With this gesture, the young Kenshi were able to see firsthand that a modest help makes a big difference when all come together, and that Shorinji Kempo is truly a form of social expression in the materialization of one of the most important maxims of Kaiso So Doshin “half for one’s own happiness and half for the happiness of others.” Later in the day the feeling could not be more rewarding and that of mission accomplished, and the votes that we turn to find the sixth seminar in 2016, where we expect even more Kenshi!